Health+Fitness N E W S L E T T E R
Overcoming Arthritis Pain
Ifyou’reconstantlyfacing lowerback,hipandkneepain—youmightbe feelingarthritis.AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControl,roughly 54.4million U.S. adults are diagnosedwith some form ofarthritis per year. As we age, our bones wear down. Are yours? If they are, don’t worry. It’s possible to alleviate the symptoms. It’s even possible to eliminate them entirely. What Is Arthritis, Exactly? Beforeknowinghowtorelievearthriticpain,you’llneedtounderstand it.Arthritis—orthe painful stiffness, or inflammation, of joints—isn’t a single disease. The term “arthritis” is an informal explanation of joint pain and disease in general. Over 100 types of arthritis exist, asserts the Arthritis Foundation. People of all ages, races and sex can get it. It’s also the leading cause of ongoing disability in America.
What Causes Lower Back, Hip and Knee Arthritis? Becausearthritis isacatch-allterm,pinpointingwhatcausesarthritis may be difficult. In most cases, arthritis is caused by injuries. These injuries degenerate bones, joints and cartilage, resulting in the pain. Arthritis can also be caused by:
• Infections, such as Lyme disease •An immune system dysfunction •The inheritance of osteoarthritis •An abnormal metabolism,which leads to gout
Simply walking can cause arthritis in the lower back, hip and knee. Our legsweardown as they’re used. Sometimes, old age is simplythe culprit as use wears away at our joints and bone tissue. This type of arthritis, called degenerative arthritis—orosteoarthritis—is the most common kind of arthritis. Whenthe leg’scartalage—oritsslick,cushionedsurface—iswornaway, bone rubs against bone. This pain, stiffness and swelling requires professional osteoarthritis treatment.
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